May is Better Hearing Month!

Posted on Apr 25, 2017 11:56am PDT

Consider the typical aspects of your daily life. How many of them rely
upon your ability to hear? Hearing and understanding language and conversation
are central to almost every aspect of daily life. Unfortunately, these
skills are often taken for granted until they’re lost. For older
Americans, communication disorders are among the most common challenges
they may face. Why, then, are these disorders left untreated for years –
or never treated at all?

Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions, affecting
50 million Americans. It is highly prevalent among adults, often with
serious impact on daily life and functioning. The following percentages
show hearing loss prevalence in adults over 55:

Age

55-64

65-74

75+

% with
disabling hearing loss

8.5%

25%

50%

In contrast,
over two-thirds of adults aged 70 and older with hearing loss
have never usedhearing aids. This is despite the fact that hearing loss may affect mental health and
vocational success, and can lead to other health issues. Advancements
in hearing aid technology have made them more effective and less noticeable
than ever. The stakes are far too high for this life-changing resource
to remain so staggeringly underutilized.

Hearing loss does not just affect the individual suffering from it. Spouses
or adult children are often significantly affected by their family member’s
communication difficulties. These loved ones are also the people who are
in the best position to influence the decision to seek treatment. If you
have a concern about a loved one’s hearing, encourage them to seek
an evaluation from an audiologist. If a course of treatment does follow,
you’ll play an important role in providing support. This includes
accompanying the person to treatment visits, helping provide medical information,
and being compassionate and understanding throughout the process.

The ability to communicate is important. Prioritize treatment! Don’t
continue to delay. Hearing loss is not something you have to accept as
part of aging, it is a medical condition. Help your loved ones.
Help yourself. This May, schedule an appointment at Allison Audiology.